<p>The Headhunters' van was the first to show up for the Hood to Coast Relay decorated to inspire fun in its team and dread in its competition.</p>

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, its not unusual to spot refurbished hot rods, stylish classic cars, souped-up choppers, custom motor homes and tandem bicycles cruising U.S. Highway 101. But when it comes to all-out style and eye-catching mobility, nothing compares to the wildly creative team vans of the annual Hood to Coast relay.

Aug. 24 and 25 will mark the 31st year of the Hood to Coast event, a stunning trial of physical endurance that takes relay teams from Timberline Lodge to Seaside in 48 hours. More than 1,000 teams of 12 runners each participate in one of Oregons most recognizable events, dubbed The Mother of All Relays by event organizers. The challenging 200-mile race is certainly not for the faint of heart or the out-of-shape. However, that does not exclude the desire to have a good time.

A decorative menagerie of individual team vans support each squad. Providing a vital link and a safe haven, these vans are easily recognizable by exhausted runners. They also provide a great excuse for the teams to show off their sense of humor. Team names like Slug Hunters, Femme Fatale and Road Kill Grill make that apparent.

Catherine Kent, of team LaCamas Headhunters and Voodoo Dolls, has been participating in the relay for 20 years. Their team van is always popular with onlookers as it rolls through each transition station. Painted in a jungle green and palm leaves motif, the van is also festooned with wooden tiki masks and skull-and-crossbones. Resembling a cross between a pirate ship and a safari vehicle, the van is a rolling party. Our van is always a big hit for the fun atmosphere we provide, Kent said. We play music and hand out treats, or pirate booty, at every exchange.

Karen Salman, captain of team Road Kill Grill, enjoys the camaraderie the fun inspires. Our team mascot is an 8-foot lighted vulture with a bobbing head. It came about because while you are running, you pass a fellow runner and claim road kill, Salman said. When its 3 a.m. and you havent slept for two days and a van goes by with wild decorations, you cant help but share a laugh. But dont mistake the music, treats and laughter for complacency; the LaCamas Headhunters and Voodoo Dolls are all business when it comes to their van. If you have never seen our van, then you must not run in the Hood to Coast, Kent said.

HTC Director of Customer Relations Adrienne Booth enjoys witnessing each years evolving creativity. Every team is different, and our teams take a lot of pride in coming up with unique names and decorations, Booth said. Teams change names several times throughout the year as they learn more about each other. There are myriad reasons for team names. Some want to be silly and have fun, while some are meant to inspire, Booth said. Though the races origins date back to 1982, it wasnt until three years later that the idea of decorating the team vans started to take off. The first year, there was no decorations. Teams used passenger cars, Booth said. Nobody got into decorations until the third year, when everyone saw the LaCamas team van painted with a jungle scene. Then there was no turning back!

Now, the decorating of vans is widespread. Four years ago, participants started voting on the best van at the conclusion of each race. There are no guidelines, as teams are given creative control while they decorate. There is, however, one major rule. We ask they keep it clean, Booth said. Dont do anything you wouldnt show your grandma. Teams must also keep in mind that however much fun they have with their vans, they still must be functional. Comfortable transportation is the key, Booth said. Being in a vehicle with six people for 24 hours can change your life.